Ultra Natural competitors David Porcheron and Travis Rice share a laugh on their way to Baldface Lodge via helicopter.

Nelson, B.C. (February 15, 2013) – The world’s best snowboarders are now waxing their snowboards at Baldface Lodge outside of Nelson, B.C. as the holding period for Red Bull Ultra Natural opens. On a single day between now and February 21st, riders will redefine what is possible in competition on the snowboard run of Travis Rice’s dreams. The single day competition ensures that the event takes place under only the best possible conditions – a mix of deep powder, good sunlight, and safe conditions.

Pilots fly athletes to the lodge during the Red Bull Ultranatural at Bald Face Lodge in Nelson, BC, Canada on February 14, 2013

The lucky sixteen will drop into the 45+ degree slope nicknamed “Scary Cherry” within Baldface’s tenure. The riders will be met with a wider start area, more line options, more than 80 refined on-course features, additional creative transitions and an even more inspiring jib section. This year riders will be judged on overall impression of their run with the better of two runs counting.

Terje Haakonsen looking out of the window of a helicopter on the way to the Red Bull Ultra Natural in Nelson, BC on February 14th, 2013.

Due to a recent injury, Kazu Kokubo has given up his spot on the roster. “I was really looking forward to riding with everyone again this year and hope to join everyone again next year,” said Kokubo. “Good luck to all the riders, get some powder for me.”

John Jackson, Jeff Pensiero and Travis Rice participates in curling during the Red Bull Ultranatural in Nelson, BC, Canada on February 13, 2013

In Kokubo’s place, Rice hand-selected Austrian rider Wolfgang Nyvelt. Nyvelt has the potentially lethal combination of big air contest experience and serious backcountry film parts that could make a major statement at Red Bull Ultra Natural.

Pat Moore, John Jackson and Mark McMorris participates in curling during the Red Bull Ultranatural in Nelson, BC, Canada on February 13, 2013

The updated rider list for the 2013 Red Bull Ultra Natural is as follows:

Fans in the U.S. can tune-in to NBC on March 30th at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT to catch Red Bull Ultra Natural presented by Nike Snowboarding. The show airs as part of the Red Bull Signature Series, an action sports property featuring some of Red Bull’s top events including Dreamline, Wake Open and Rampage. The Red Bull Signature Series is the most progressive and innovative action sports property in the world, featuring surfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, skiing, BMX, wakeboarding and motorsports events. For more information, please visit www.redbullsignatureseries.com.

To watch the event trailer and learn more about Red Bull Ultra Natural, please visit www.redbull.com/ultranatural.